AnemiaPregnancy anemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) are common and potentially dangerous disorder in human pregnancy. Chlorella contains large quantities of folate, vitamin B-12 and iron, and can help improve anemia and hypertensive disorder. A study of 70 pregnant women suggests that Chlorella supplementation significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy associated anemia, proteinuria and edema. The subjects in the Chlorella group were supplemented daily from 12th-18th wk of gestation until delivery with a dosage of 6 g of Chlorella supplement. Chlorella supplement may benefit pregnant women by providing folate, vitamin B-12 and iron. [C3]

Cancer [1]Vijayavel K and co-workers from University of Madras, India, proposed the anti-cancer or chemo-preventive effect an alcohol extract of the marine algae Chlorella vulgaris based on its free radical scavenging activities. [5] However, more works are needed to show chlorella benefits on this disease. [1]

ConstipationChlorella has been suggested to treat constipation. However, scientific evidence for this health benefit claim is insufficient. [ as of December 12, 2011]

DementiaOxidative stress is one of the major causes of age-dependent memory loss and cognitive decline. Cytotoxic aldehydes are derived from lipid peroxides and their accumulation may be responsible for age-dependent neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease. Chlorella exhibits various anti-oxidative effects, Chlorella may have the benefits to prevent age-dependent cognitive impairment. Alzheimer's disease animal model was fed with chlorella and oxidative stress was reduced, the decline of cognitive ability was also declined. Thus, prolonged consumption of Chlorella may have the potential benefit to prevent the progression of cognitive impairment, but more studies are needed to confirm this findings. [B2]

DiabetesIt has been thought that Chlorella might benefit people at risk of diabetes, as chlorella vulgaris was once reported to have hypoglycemic effects. In a study, chlorella ingestion tests on 17 subjects with high-risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases were conducted. Researchers found that chlorella intake resulted in noticeable reductions in body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels. The researchers identified genes with noticeable variance in expression level resulting from Chlorella intake in the high-risk factor group. These included genes involved in fat metabolism and insulin signaling pathways, which suggests that these pathways could be physiologically affected by Chlorella intake. [C2]

Different people may experience different side effects and benefits of a product. You are encouraged to report adverse side effects to FDA, its website is www.fda.gov., or report the adverse side effects to the manufacturer, you should be able to find the contact information on the label.

There are always new information. Please, send me an email (zhion@zhion.com) to correct my mistake(s). Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom or the benefits and side effects of a supplement or a drug product. Finally, please, do not transfer the article to other website. Thank you. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Chlorella ReviewsChlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae, belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta. Chlorella is spherical in shape, about 2 to 10 μm in diameter, and is without flagella. Chlorella contains the green photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll-a and -b in its chloroplast. Through photosynthesis, chlorella multiplies rapidly requiring only carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and a small amount of minerals to reproduce. Once, Chlorella was thought to be a cheap source of protein for human diet, but it was found sophisticated process is needed for the mass production. Thus, the cost is high, it is also hard to digest because of its cell walls. Now, Chlorella is marketed as a supplement for weight control, cancer prevention, and immune system support. [1]

Chlorella is high in protein and other essential nutrients; when dried, it is about 45% protein, 20% fat, 20% carbohydrate, 5% fiber, and 10% minerals and vitamins. [1] Mike Adams published a book called "chlorella and spirulina", then "cllorella and spirulina' has been marketed as a superfood, this combination is claimed to have many health benefits.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Another study found that intake of chorella regularies (dried cell powder) led to lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. [7] At 21 week of feeding, serum total cholesterol of the rats was significantly lowered. Intake of chlorella was also linked to a low incidence of cerebral vascular accidents in the rats. [7] While, Thus, chlorella powder could act as a hypocholesterolemic agent. In a rat study, chlorella powder exerted its hypocholesterolemic effect via an enhancement of cholesterol catabolism through up-regulation of hepatic CYP7A1 expression. And, also a 3.08% Chlorella indigestible fraction contributed to the hypocholesterolemic effect.[6]

In a study of 55 patients with fibromyalgia, 33 with hypertension, and 9 with ulcerative colitis, each patient consumed 10 g of pure chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) in tablet form and 100 mL of a liquid containing an extract of chlorella each day for 2 or 3 months. The researchers found that daily dietary supplementation with chlorella reduced high blood pressure, lowered serum cholesterol levels, accelerated wound healing, and enhanced immune functions. [2] This study thus shows the potential benefits of chlorella on blood pressure, cholesterol levels etc.

Other ConditionsInsufficient evidence is found for the health benefits claims of chorella on conditions such as bad breath, colds etc.________________________________________________________________________________

Chlorella Safety Issues and Side EffectsShort term use of chlorella is probably safe to healthy adults at low dosages. The common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, gas, green discoloration of the stools, and stomach cramping. Further, the side effects may also include allergic reactions and skin sensitivity to the sun. One of my readers complains about a lift of plasma uric acid after intake of chorella. A study does report the rise of uric acid in the blood stream after intake of chorella in an animal study. High content of uric acid is known to be linked to gout. Gout is a rheumatic disease resulting from deposition of uric acid crystals in tissues and fluids within the body. This process is caused by an uric acid overproduction or under excretion. Other chlorella side effects may include nausea and stomach upset.

In a rare case, a boy with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, who developed it following ingestion of Chlorella tablets as a food supplement for 3 months. The patient's renal function improved after initiation of corticosteroid therapy and discontinuation of Chlorella for 6 months. Chlorella may be a causative allergen inducing tubulointerstitial injury in kidney. [C4] Please, note that this case of side effect is very uncommon.

Chlorella-Drug InteractionsChlorella might make the immune system more active. That could counter offer the effectiveness of immunosuppressants. Popular immunosuppressants include azathioprine, basiliximab, cyclosporine, daclizumab, muromonab-CD3, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, sirolimus, prednisone, corticosteroids, and others.

However, in a study of male Sprague-Dawley rats, Chlorella vulgaris did not have any effects on glucose levels in diabetic rats. On the other hand, chlorella vulgaris reduced significantly DNA damage and blood malondialdehyde levels (lipid peroxidation) in the diabetic rats compared to the control group. Thus, chlorella vulgaris did not have hypoglycaemic effect but it has a protective role in the diabetic rats. [C1]

Fibromyalgia syndromeFibromyalgia syndrome is a common, chronic musculoskeletal disorder of unknown aetiology. Some people with fibromyalgia say they feel better when they take chlorella tablets with malic acid daily for two months. In a study, researchers recruited 32 patients suffered from fibromyalgia syndrome. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common, chronic musculoskeletal disorder of unknown aetiology. Participants consumed two commercially available Chlorella-based (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) products, 10 g of 'Sun Chlorella' tablets and 100 mL of liquid 'Wakasa Gold' each day for two months. Seven patients felt that the dietary supplement had improved their fibromyalgia symptoms, while six thought they had experienced no change, and five believed the symptoms had worsened over the time of the trial. [4] Thus, chlorella may have somewhat benefits on fibromyalgia syndrome to some users.

GI tract conditionsInsufficient evidence is found for its benefits on crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, constipation

Vascular functionChlorella may offer benefits to people at risk of hypertension. In a study, 33 people with blood pressure of 115/90 mg Hg consumed dietary chlorella supplements (either 10 g Chlorella tablets or 100 mL of Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) extracts for two months. At the end of the study, only 25% of the subjects had their diastolic blood pressure reduced to the goal. [3] However, it is not sure, how the researchers control the variables such as daily activities and salt consumption.